carpet

March 10, 2002

In a message dated 3/10/02 1:14:49 PM Eastern Standard Time,

lgshepard@... writes:

>

> Outgasing the chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Most carpet is

> made from synthetic fibers (chemicals) and put together with glue

> (chemicals).

> S

>

I was looking forward to getting new carpet in my house of 15 years. The

polyester PET is made from recycled plastic bottles. I have twins with

seizures and mercury toxicity. Is there ANY safe carpet out there?

tina

March 10, 2002

>I was looking forward to getting new carpet in my house of 15 years. The

>polyester PET is made from recycled plastic bottles. I have twins with

>seizures and mercury toxicity. Is there ANY safe carpet out there?

>tina

>

I looked at ads for carpeting in the magazine " Natural Home " a little

while back. I think I only called one or two places about carpet.

My knowledge about " what is safe " in carpeting is very shallow-- I

just asked about natural materials etc. There was one option that

sounded very good to me, but came only in --um-- I think only one

color, and a color like beige or tan -- which is not AT ALL what

I would want. I ended up thinking I would need to ponder the

importance of color. (Yeah, some of you will think I'm being

petty, but color is VERY important to me. If the new carpet is

going to be beige or tan, there is " no point " very sad.)

Oh-- they also had some sort of an option where you could get

carpet made out of some recycled material (sounded yucky) and

get it in any color, and then they would COAT (or " seal " ?) the

carpet with some sort of coating to keep the yucky chemicals in

the coloring from harming people. I hope it is apparent that

my memory of the details here is really sketchy.

I think the ad I called is the one I see from " Building for Health

Materials Center " http://www.buildingforhealth.com (800)292-4838

or (970)963-0437 Their ad says they sell materials for ALL SORTS

of things-- roofing, caulks, paints, appliances, adhesives, etc.

I'm sure there are other companies that have such stuff, and I

have no basis for an opinion as to whether one or another company

is " better " . So, that was NOT a recommendation. Other than that

this company sells all kinds of non-toxic building supplies ,

in contrast to, um, Home Depot etc.

Here are a couple more places that advertise in Natural Home

magazine:

==> Environmental Home Center [paints, finishes, adhesives,

carpeting, hardwoods, tile, cork, linoleum]

htto://www.enviresource.com (800)281-9785 or (206)682-7332

located in Seattle WA

==>Fisher Hensley Naturals [organic cotton bedding, towels, and

sleepwear] fhnaturals.com (800)343-6639 located Alameda CA

==> Just Naturals [ " natural, healthy, organic and environmentally

responsible products for your home, family and pets " ]

www.just-naturals.com

==> Earth Weave [ " non-toxic biodegradable floor coverings using

natural sustainable fibers such as hemp, wool and jute " ]

www.earthweave.com (706)695-8800

I have not purchased anything from any of these companies.

I just noticed this magazine is from 2000--- a little dated.

In Nov/Dec 2000 issue they list the phone # for subscription

info (800)340-5846. $25 a year (6 issues?)--more outside

the US.

Moria

March 10, 2002

www.pergo.com, people.

rides his tricycle on it, plays with Play-Doh on it, I've

spilled a full cup of coffee on it, you can mess it up any way you

like (except for letting water stand on it) and it wipes right up.

You carpet-lovers ever get your carpets professionally steam-

cleaned? You see how dramatically different they look before and

after? Think about all that gunk trapped in carpeting that never

comes out with routine vacuuming. Toxic or not, it's just nasty,

especially in a house with pets and/or kids, imho.

> In a message dated 3/10/02 1:14:49 PM Eastern Standard Time,

> lgshepard@e... writes:

>

> >

> > Outgasing the chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Most

carpet is

> > made from synthetic fibers (chemicals) and put together with

glue

> > (chemicals).

> > S

> >

>

> I was looking forward to getting new carpet in my house of 15

years. The

> polyester PET is made from recycled plastic bottles. I have twins

with

> seizures and mercury toxicity. Is there ANY safe carpet out there?

> tina

>

March 10, 2002

,

I agree. I have had laminated flooring for over a year now and its so

hygienic and easy to clean. Previously my dear boy used to make so much

mess that the carpets became disgusting over time, and never even steamed

properly (playdough, blue tac, pounded bananas, rice milk, NOT to mention

poo spread around etc!

I put down one or two wool rugs. But wouldn't you know it, I have developed

some inflammation in the heels of my feet which is very painful and I have

to go for x-ray. I have been told its linked to hardwood flooring. You can't

win.

At least it's not toxic!!!!

Celia

----- Original Message -----

March 11, 2002

I installed all new carpets in my house when we moved in 1998. I was aware of

the issue, and only ordered pure wool carpeting. Of course, these are more

expensive carpets than the PET derived fibers. No problems from the carpets

other than the initial pilling, which just meant extra vacuuming. I have not

had them cleaned yet, and just spot clean them myself with Capture (which is

great). However, I will need to clean some this Summer, at which time we will

go to my mother's for a couple of days until everything is dry and aired out.

The real problems are from not making sure the house is adequately ventilated

when they are first laid, and the same when they are cleaned. I wouldn't use

the PET derived fibers as they just are not the same quality and look synthetic.

I had a much worse problem when I ordered a custom fabric-covered headboard from

. When it arrived it smelled horrible from the wood, which was

obviously freshly cut pine. The wood also must have been treated with something,

or at least that is my suspicion. I had to leave it in the garage on top of a

cardboard box with a towel underneath it (to keep it clean) while it aired out.

I had to leave it in the garage for two months before it stopped smelling so

bad! I know it wasn't from scotch guarding the fabric as that is an entirely

different odor, and that dissipates fairly quickly.

Re: [ ] carpet

In a message dated 3/10/02 1:14:49 PM Eastern Standard Time,

lgshepard@... writes:

>

> Outgasing the chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Most carpet is

> made from synthetic fibers (chemicals) and put together with glue

> (chemicals).

> S

>

I was looking forward to getting new carpet in my house of 15 years. The

polyester PET is made from recycled plastic bottles. I have twins with

seizures and mercury toxicity. Is there ANY safe carpet out there?

tina

March 29, 2009

VB- You can use my carpet protocol. The RP/ water mixture sprayed on then dusted

on top of that, then when dry, vacuumed. You have to do it more often, but it

soaks into the fibers of the carpet, and works pretty good. I had to do this

because the baby crawls on the floor.

Holly

> > > > >

> > > > > From: Tasha Woods <tashawoods93@>

> > > > > bird mites

> > > > > Subject: scared

> > > > > Date: Tue, 24 Mar 2009 07:29:04 -0700 (PDT)

> > > > >

> > > > > I was talking about my bug issue with the girlfriend last night and

she convinced me to take a sample to be studied. I found a number of black spots

in the borax that covers my bed. I'm going to take those spots to Healthy

Environment Toronto. I'm afraid that it will be lint or I'll just be laughed at.

> > > > >

> > > > > I " m sure the girlfriend thinks its all in my head because she gets no

bits or clawing sensations when she spends the night with me, nor does my room

mate or cats seem to have any issues. I'm the only one with crawling and bitting

sensations.

> > > > >

> > > > > Maybe I am delusional?

> > > > >

> > > > > Tasha

> > > > >

__________________________________________________________________

> > > > > Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr!

> > > > >

> > > > > http://www.flickr.com/gift/

> > > > >

> > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > >

March 30, 2009

Holly, that protocol sounds intriguing. How often do you find you have to repeat

the treatment? I ask because I'm about to collapse from overexertion....

> > > > > >

> > > > > > From: Tasha Woods <tashawoods93@>

> > > > > > bird mites

> > > > > > Subject: scared

> > > > > > Date: Tue, 24 Mar 2009 07:29:04 -0700 (PDT)

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I was talking about my bug issue with the girlfriend last night and

she convinced me to take a sample to be studied. I found a number of black spots

in the borax that covers my bed. I'm going to take those spots to Healthy

Environment Toronto. I'm afraid that it will be lint or I'll just be laughed at.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I " m sure the girlfriend thinks its all in my head because she gets

no bits or clawing sensations when she spends the night with me, nor does my

room mate or cats seem to have any issues. I'm the only one with crawling and

bitting sensations.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Maybe I am delusional?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Tasha

> > > > > >

__________________________________________________________________

> > > > > > Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > http://www.flickr.com/gift/

> > > > > >

> > > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > > >

March 30, 2009

Ive only done it once so far. I will repeat it when i can steal a few minutes

away to do it. So circumstances control my time, but i would probably do it once

a week, and increase if needed. Dont forget to do it in your car. And relax once

in a while. All that stress creates adrenaline, and these things feed and breed

off of it. You have got to live your life, and this has to come second. Just do

the best you can, and that is good enough. I always thought that everyone was a

couple of steps ahead of me because i didnt have the time and energy to devote

to it, but it didnt make a diff.

Good Luck

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > From: Tasha Woods <tashawoods93@>

> > > > > > > bird mites

> > > > > > > Subject: scared

> > > > > > > Date: Tue, 24 Mar 2009 07:29:04 -0700 (PDT)

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I was talking about my bug issue with the girlfriend last night

and she convinced me to take a sample to be studied. I found a number of black

spots in the borax that covers my bed. I'm going to take those spots to Healthy

Environment Toronto. I'm afraid that it will be lint or I'll just be laughed at.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I " m sure the girlfriend thinks its all in my head because she gets

no bits or clawing sensations when she spends the night with me, nor does my

room mate or cats seem to have any issues. I'm the only one with crawling and

bitting sensations.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Maybe I am delusional?

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Tasha

> > > > > > >

__________________________________________________________________

> > > > > > > Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > http://www.flickr.com/gift/

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > > > >

June 9, 2009

Well you seem right to say it would camoflage the powder more (to people I

assume you mean). However whether that is more important than how well the

powders work I don't know.

I had assumed they would live in carpet more easily than wooden floor, but i'm

not certain.

Personally I just ripped my carpet out so have bare wood now. One plus I suppose

is you can just mop and bleach the floor which I think does kill them (maybe

someone can confirm?) which you can't do with carpet.

In short - don't know but my inclincation was to remove carpets however i am not

yet able to say if this will be effective as I did it only a day or 2 ago and

have not been staying here...

>

> Hello everyone.

>

> I have been reading your posts from time to time, and praying for all of

> you.

>

> I still have these demons.

>

> I am about to move into an apartment that has hard wood floors but

> untacked carpets " thrown " atop the floors.

>

> Over the winter I stayed in a home that had some carpets and I found

> that by thoroughly powdering the carpets with Roach Prufe and DE I had

> relative peace. In addition, the benefits of the carpets were that the

> powders were somewhat camoflaged and they did not become airborne

> continually. Without carpetting, the powders left on surfaces are

> obvious and were airborne more easily.

>

> Does anyone else agree with my assessment and see an advantage to

> leaving the carpets or should I just remove them?

>

> Thank you for your opinions.

>

> s.ross

>

June 9, 2009

We have both wood and carpet and find the wood floor a bigger pain then the

later, oddly enough. For starters, mites easily work themselves into the

grooves, under the planks and into the subfloor. Tile is preferable for this

reason. Chicken coops (made of wood) can become so infested they must be burned.

Insecticides often leave an ugly film and as you say, powders are an unsightly

mess on wood and easily get airborne. Powders can also damage varnish. Carpet,

on the other hand, will hold insecticide residue and release vapors over a

period of time, increasing efficacy. We experienced this with " Onslaught, " which

kept the mites out of the carpet for a few months but did next to nothing for

the wood floors. I have never experienced any relief from simply mopping or

vacuuming the wood floors. We have to spray them with Tempo or similar

insecticide, but then we're left with that ugly film. If I had my druthers both

the wood and carpet would be replaced with rock or tile.

> >

> > Hello everyone.

> >

> > I have been reading your posts from time to time, and praying for all of

> > you.

> >

> > I still have these demons.

> >

> > I am about to move into an apartment that has hard wood floors but

> > untacked carpets " thrown " atop the floors.

> >

> > Over the winter I stayed in a home that had some carpets and I found

> > that by thoroughly powdering the carpets with Roach Prufe and DE I had

> > relative peace. In addition, the benefits of the carpets were that the

> > powders were somewhat camoflaged and they did not become airborne

> > continually. Without carpetting, the powders left on surfaces are

> > obvious and were airborne more easily.

> >

> > Does anyone else agree with my assessment and see an advantage to

> > leaving the carpets or should I just remove them?

> >

> > Thank you for your opinions.

> >

> > s.ross

> >

>

June 10, 2009

Uhoh wish I hadn't just torn up my carpet...

> > >

> > > Hello everyone.

> > >

> > > I have been reading your posts from time to time, and praying for all of

> > > you.

> > >

> > > I still have these demons.

> > >

> > > I am about to move into an apartment that has hard wood floors but

> > > untacked carpets " thrown " atop the floors.

> > >

> > > Over the winter I stayed in a home that had some carpets and I found

> > > that by thoroughly powdering the carpets with Roach Prufe and DE I had

> > > relative peace. In addition, the benefits of the carpets were that the

> > > powders were somewhat camoflaged and they did not become airborne

> > > continually. Without carpetting, the powders left on surfaces are

> > > obvious and were airborne more easily.

> > >

> > > Does anyone else agree with my assessment and see an advantage to

> > > leaving the carpets or should I just remove them?

> > >

> > > Thank you for your opinions.

> > >

> > > s.ross

> > >

> >

>

February 23, 2011

Having to move again after being in this house for 7 weeks. Having help from

professional toxicologist to find safe place. was told to try to find something

5 yrs-30 yr . 5 yr for the off gassing process. He is coming to check each

place we find.

One condo we found without basement or crawl space, which makes it safer, seems

good except the carpet was recently cleaned and the chemicals and smell i had a

reaction to. Was told about a stream cleaning company that uses H12 to help

remove residual shampoo, chemicals, and smells. Was also told how to off gas,

turning the heat on very high for several days, since heat is what helps off

gas.

Can this really get the chem and smell out?

Any opinions, suggestions, experience with carpet smell, chem, off gas i would

appreciated

thank you so much

denise

February 23, 2011

---From: Danel

?

Having to move again after being in this house for 7 weeks.

I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR THAT.

Having help from

professional toxicologist to find safe place.

WOW, THAT IS AWESOME!

One condo we found without basement or crawl space, which makes it safer, seems

good except the carpet was recently cleaned and the chemicals and smell i had a

reaction to. Was told about a stream cleaning company that uses H12 to help

remove residual shampoo, chemicals, and smells. Was also told how to off gas,

turning the heat on very high for several days, since heat is what helps off

gas.

Can this really get the chem and smell out?

I MAY NOT BE THE BEST to help on this because I did not seem to have a problem

when certain sections of carpet were cleaned in the house I was living in but

then we had all the windows open for hours and he went back over it and rinsed

it all back out again. Once it had aired out a long time the smell was

completely gone and no trouble. The house you checked probably has not been

aired out since the shampooing. I think rinsing will get it out pretty good, of

course I do not know what kind of shampoo they used. And then airing out will

help a lot too.

A friend who does carpet cleaning told me that vacuuming really well after it is

dry will remove 72% of the residue that causes smell, etc. So I think you have

a good chance of it being ok after rinsing, vacuuming, airing out.

Hope this helps.

anita

February 24, 2011

Increasing the heat in an indoor environment can force off-gassing of volatile

organic compounds from surfaces. However, the carpet shampoos and cleaners are

not likely to be highly volatile. Therefore, would not likely off-gas by

turning up the temp on an HVAC system.

For compounds that do off-gas with increased temperature, they must be removed

once they are airborne. Otherwise, they can adsorb onto porous surfaces, and

enter cycles of off-gassing and re-adsorption. If heat is used, ventilation

must be provided to remove the VOC's. In cold climates, ventilation from

outdoor air will reduce heat, which would minimize off-gassing.

Many times, simply increasing ventilation by opening windows and directing fans

to the exterior is enough to remove VOC's and some non-volatile chemical odors.

Rinsing the carpet with water and a very strong extraction machine might also

help. Directional air moves and ventilation after cleaning is also recommended.

Connie Morbach, M.S., CHMM, CIE

Sani-Air, Inc.

>

> Having to move again after being in this house for 7 weeks. Having help from

> professional toxicologist to find safe place. was told to try to find

something

> 5 yrs-30 yr . 5 yr for the off gassing process. He is coming to check each

> place we find.

>

> One condo we found without basement or crawl space, which makes it safer,

seems

> good except the carpet was recently cleaned and the chemicals and smell i had

a

> reaction to. Was told about a stream cleaning company that uses H12 to help

> remove residual shampoo, chemicals, and smells. Was also told how to off gas,

> turning the heat on very high for several days, since heat is what helps off

> gas.

>

> Can this really get the chem and smell out?

>

> Any opinions, suggestions, experience with carpet smell, chem, off gas i would

> appreciated

> thank you so much

> denise

>

February 24, 2011